Judge Timothy Connell swears in 33 new citizens from 13 different countries Wednesday morning in the first ceremony that anyone is aware of in Luverne. The new citizens live in southwest Minnesota. Below, Dawei Hong talks with Robert "Tim" Tangeman, Luverne, who attended the ceremony along with many other interested citizens and government officials. Hong is a native of China and has lived in the United States since 1989. He taught computer science at Southwest State University and is on his way to another job as a professor in New Jersey.
Those receiving citizenship were from Belarus, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Hungary, Laos, Mexico, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Raul Marquez spoke to the crowd in the Luverne Elementary School's commons area. Marquez is a native of Mexico who became a citizen in 1997 and works as an interpreter in the court system. He will move to Arkansas to become a director of interpreter certification there.
Marquez said, "I went through what you are going through today in 1997. I cannot explain or tell you enough what a privilege it was for me to become a citizen." He said it is "beautiful" to be able to fly to visit family and not worry about having the right papers so he can get back into the country. He emphasized that voting is a serious privilege and that jury duty is something to take seriously. "In Mexico I didn't truly believe in voting because of all the corruption. I hope you realize you are very important in this country. I don't want you to forget your old country, but this is your new country and this is a new flag you have to respect."
The VFW Post 2757 and auxiliary and American Legion Post 123 and auxiliary were on board for presentation of colors, to give each applicant an American flag and certificate and to serve lunch. Danielle Deragisch and Colby and Lorna Anderson added music to the ceremony.
Photos by Sara Quam